The large number of arrests during last weekend’s Mong Kok protests suggests that police are actively seeking to detain as many protesters as possible in a bid to deter further demonstrations while their numbers remain relatively low due to concern over the coronavirus. However, further anti-government protests can be expected in the coming week. Protests against clinics and government-designated isolation centres are also expected to continue and have the potential to exhibit violence.
In the afternoon of Sunday 8 March protesters plan to gather at Tin Hua Temple, Fung Shui Square to oppose government plans to designate the Tai Po Jockey Club Clinic as a coronavirus centre. In the evening, two memorial gatherings, one in Kwun Tong Promenade and the other around Sheung Tak Estate in Tseung Kwan O, New Territories are scheduled to mark the four-month anniversary of the death of Chow Tsz-lok who died following clashes between protesters and police on 4 November 2019. Chow reportedly fell from the third floor of an estate car park while trying to escape either the police or tear gas. He suffered serious injuries and died on 8 November. We warn that these events may attract a significant number of people as many demonstrators were angered by the police’s perceived use of extreme tactics during the Mong Kok clashes last weekend. There is therefore the potential for violence and we advise against travel to or through the regions noted above.
Monday 9 March 2020 marks the nine-month anniversary of the first demonstration attended by hundreds of thousands of people against the now-withdrawn extradition bill on 9 June 2019. Pro-democracy protesters are calling for demonstrations to mark the event but have not scheduled any specific activities for the day. We warn that ‘flash-mob’ style protests may occur throughout the territory, increasing the risks of localised violence.
On Thursday 12 March protesters plan to rally at Kwun Tong MTR Station Exit A and Sha Tin MTR Station Exit B to mark the nine-month anniversary of the first violent clashes between protesters and police over the anti-extradition bill movement on 12 June 2019. Given the continued strength of anti-police and anti-government sentiment, the likelihood of these events descending into clashes between protesters and police is significant. Major roads in the area are likely to be blocked and disruption to the MTR is also likely.
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